Blogging about Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope

Look for the Helpers

“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers

Last fall, Cameron Michael felt a strong desire to get involved in his community. As a political science major at Seminole State College, he especially wanted to expand his understanding of his community, its needs and be part of a solution-oriented cause. He had been aware of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida but never attended a tour or volunteered before. He signed up for his first volunteer shift online not entirely sure of what he was in for.

“I felt like if I could volunteer to help the people who need it the most, the better we all will be,” explains Cameron.

For the next six months, Cameron became a familiar face in the production kitchen, preparing nutritious meals for Kids Café sites.

“When you don’t see the end result of your work, it can be disheartening. When I’m at the food bank I know I’m making a difference.”

Cameron took it upon himself to learn as much about Second Harvest as he could. One afternoon he came across other ways to get involved on the food bank website and one activity stood out to him: Brand Ambassador.

Brand Ambassadors are a group of volunteers who serve as an extension of the food bank staff by attending festivals, food drives and other community events. They can communicate the mission of the organization and enthusiastically help connect people with opportunities to volunteer, donate, advocate or programs and services.

This role appealed to Cameron because he loves to interact with people. He has a strong sense of empathy, a passion for learning and a desire to make connections.

“There are people out there that just want to help,” says Cameron, and engaging with them at events like the 10 Ten Brewing Amateur Rib Contest or another community festival is just another important way to help fight hunger.

During Hunger Action Month in September and leading up to the busy holiday season, Second Harvest’s Brand Ambassadors will be out in force at a variety of events, some during the day and at others in the evening or on weekends. To learn more about this opportunity, visit www.feedhopenow.org/ ways_involved_ambassador or reach out to Brie Rios at brios@feedhopenow.org.